NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Lane Kiffin has remained in the headlines since abruptly leaving Ole Miss for LSU, and his former players aren’t happy about it.
The now-LSU head coach was reportedly considering attending Ole Miss’ upset win over Georgia on Thursday night, but instead chose to attend LSU’s women’s basketball game. Senior defensive tackle Zxavian Harris accused Kiffin of trying to steal the team’s shine.
“He was just trying to steal our shine. That’s all he’s trying to do. That’s all he’s been trying to do, is steal our shine,” Harris said, according to ESPN.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Lane Kiffin speaks at a press conference as he is introduced as the new head football coach of the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Dec. 1, 2025. (Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)
Harris called Kiffin’s departure, which came after Ole Miss set a program record in wins for a season, “like a slap,” and is using his departure as motivation.
“Like a slap and a backhand,’’ Harris said. “He was trying to be a troll. We’re going to troll him. We’ve got something for him.”
Harris played like he was fueled by his former coach, as he tallied a career-high 10 tackles in the 39-34 upset win over Georgia.
LANE KIFFIN CASHES IN AS FORMER OLE MISS TEAM ADVANCES IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF WITHOUT HIM
Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris (51) smokes a cigar after a college football game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi. Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State 38-19 in the Egg Bowl on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (IMAGN)
Complicating matters further between Kiffin and Ole Miss, members of the Rebels’ coaching staff will be joining Kiffin at LSU upon their season ending. With the transfer portal opening on Friday, those assistants now have the job of coaching Ole Miss while also recruiting for LSU.
Ole Miss offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., tight ends coach/co-offensive coordinator Joe Cox, wide receivers coach/passing game coordinator George McDonald, and running backs coach Kevin Smith all signed contracts to join Kiffin’s coaching staff at LSU.
Some of those assistants may not be coaching at Ole Miss anymore, despite their run to the College Football Playoff semifinal, to join LSU, according to ESPN.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Bundle FOX One and FOX Nation to stream the entire FOX Nation library, plus live FOX News, Sports, and Entertainment at our lowest price of the year. The offer ends on Jan. 4, 2026. (Fox One; Fox Nation)
“Everything has been extremely clear and transparent between myself and Pete Golding through constant communication, including a plan all the way through this historic championship run,” Kiffin said Friday, according to ESPN.
“What an amazing night for all Ole Miss players, coaches and fans.”
Ole Miss will look to continue their run against Miami in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.